Western Meadowlark
Sturnella neglecta
Length 9 ½“ wingspan 14 ½“ weight 3.4 ounces

A sure sign of spring is the flute-like song of the western meadowlark, rippling over the hillsides. For many Washington residents, the song is a favorite. Look for a bright yellow male perched on a bush or fence post, advertising his territory.
Like their relatives, blackbird and orioles, the meadowlark lives in open habitat, feeding on fruits, seeds and insects. It forages by poking its sturdy bill into the ground, then prying it back and forth to probe for insects.

Meadowlarks return to the Wenatchee Valley in early spring, although you can sometimes spot one in winter. Look for them on grassy hillsides in Ollala Canyon and on Burch Mountain.

The Wenatchi people know the meadowlark as one of their birds. Celia Ann Dick, daughter of the last chief of the Wenatchi, said, “it talked all the time, and was a big gossip.”

This bird is sponsored by The Wood Shop/The Hat Shop
721 Front Street in Leavenworth
Phone (509) 548-4442 -- Web: http://www.hatshopwoodshop.com/